Autism Therapists in Knoxville, TN
I am passionate about providing trauma-informed, affirming therapy for clients of all ages with neurodivergence (ADHD and Autism) and LGBTQ+ adolescents and young adults.
The decision to start therapy is not always easy, and finding the right therapist can seem daunting. Whatever challenges life has thrown your way, you want a therapist who supports you with compassion, curiosity, and commitment. I believe that human connection is at the heart of healing, and I strive to develop a strong, client-centered therapeutic relationship based on trust and acceptance. I offer a safe and affirming environment for all clients. It is an act of bravery to embark on a healing journey, and I would be honored to be apart of yours.
I am passionate about providing trauma-informed, affirming therapy for clients of all ages with neurodivergence (ADHD and Autism) and LGBTQ+ adolescents and young adults.
The decision to start therapy is not always easy, and finding the right therapist can seem daunting. Whatever challenges life has thrown your way, you want a therapist who supports you with compassion, curiosity, and commitment. I believe that human connection is at the heart of healing, and I strive to develop a strong, client-centered therapeutic relationship based on trust and acceptance. I offer a safe and affirming environment for all clients. It is an act of bravery to embark on a healing journey, and I would be honored to be apart of yours.
I am a queer neurodivergent licensed clinical social worker practicing in Tennessee.
I am passionate about trauma-focused work, and I specialize in supporting clients through traumatic experiences, chronic or ongoing trauma, PTSD, C-PTSD, and more. I also specialize in neurodivergence including ADHD, autism, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, and LGBTQ+ needs.
I am a queer neurodivergent licensed clinical social worker practicing in Tennessee.
I am passionate about trauma-focused work, and I specialize in supporting clients through traumatic experiences, chronic or ongoing trauma, PTSD, C-PTSD, and more. I also specialize in neurodivergence including ADHD, autism, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, and LGBTQ+ needs.
I specialize in working with autistic and neurodivergent indviduals.
In my practice I utilize a strengths-based and client-centered approach to therapy, recognizing the diverse abilities and challenges within the neurodivergent community. I work to adapt my therapeutic style to suit individual communication styles and sensory sensitivities to ensure a comfortable therapeutic environment.
I specialize in working with autistic and neurodivergent indviduals.
In my practice I utilize a strengths-based and client-centered approach to therapy, recognizing the diverse abilities and challenges within the neurodivergent community. I work to adapt my therapeutic style to suit individual communication styles and sensory sensitivities to ensure a comfortable therapeutic environment.
I particularly enjoy working with people who are in STEM fields, the Neurodivergent Population (ADHD, Autism), school teachers or professors, and young adults.
** Accepting new clients with a waiting list ** My super power is listening and synthesizing information to help you find clarity about something that you are struggling with. We can work on a wide array of problems regarding yourself and your world. Ideally, therapy is a place for you to problem solve about things and identify helpful interventions that you can put into practice. But it can also be a place for you to talk about what can’t be solved.
I particularly enjoy working with people who are in STEM fields, the Neurodivergent Population (ADHD, Autism), school teachers or professors, and young adults.
** Accepting new clients with a waiting list ** My super power is listening and synthesizing information to help you find clarity about something that you are struggling with. We can work on a wide array of problems regarding yourself and your world. Ideally, therapy is a place for you to problem solve about things and identify helpful interventions that you can put into practice. But it can also be a place for you to talk about what can’t be solved.
Taking the first step towards therapy can often feel scary, but it is also the first steps towards finding healing. With that said, I am so glad you are here!
I have a passion for working with children, adolescents, young adults, and the neurodiverse community who are experiencing a wide range of concerns. Including anxiety, depression, life transitions, behavioral challenges, executive functioning concerns, and women’s health concerns. I believe that success comes from collaboration and feeling as though you are in a space where you can be fully yourself.
Taking the first step towards therapy can often feel scary, but it is also the first steps towards finding healing. With that said, I am so glad you are here!
I have a passion for working with children, adolescents, young adults, and the neurodiverse community who are experiencing a wide range of concerns. Including anxiety, depression, life transitions, behavioral challenges, executive functioning concerns, and women’s health concerns. I believe that success comes from collaboration and feeling as though you are in a space where you can be fully yourself.
I provide comprehensive psychological and psychoeducational evaluations for autism, ADHD, learning differences, anxiety, mood concerns, and other diagnostic questions.
As a parent or caregiver, you may feel overwhelmed trying to understand what’s beneath your child’s behavior, emotions, or learning challenges. If you’re a college student or young adult, you may quietly wonder why things feel harder than they “should” — academically, socially, or emotionally. I’m a licensed psychologist specializing in assessment and treatment of developmental, emotional, behavioral, and learning differences in children, adolescents, and young adults, providing clarity, direction, and practical support for families and emerging adults.
I provide comprehensive psychological and psychoeducational evaluations for autism, ADHD, learning differences, anxiety, mood concerns, and other diagnostic questions.
As a parent or caregiver, you may feel overwhelmed trying to understand what’s beneath your child’s behavior, emotions, or learning challenges. If you’re a college student or young adult, you may quietly wonder why things feel harder than they “should” — academically, socially, or emotionally. I’m a licensed psychologist specializing in assessment and treatment of developmental, emotional, behavioral, and learning differences in children, adolescents, and young adults, providing clarity, direction, and practical support for families and emerging adults.
Currently, my primary specialty areas are Autism Level 1 (Neuro-divergent), LGBTQI+ and gender affirming care (including medical transition letters).
I have a humanistic-infused cognitive-behavioral philosophy, but I keep a sharp eye on research and "what works." We want to get you feeling and functioning better asap. Throughout my career, I have been committed to serving the underserved. Autism (especially for adults and women) and the LGBTQ+ community are in need of informed, compassionate service.
Currently, my primary specialty areas are Autism Level 1 (Neuro-divergent), LGBTQI+ and gender affirming care (including medical transition letters).
I have a humanistic-infused cognitive-behavioral philosophy, but I keep a sharp eye on research and "what works." We want to get you feeling and functioning better asap. Throughout my career, I have been committed to serving the underserved. Autism (especially for adults and women) and the LGBTQ+ community are in need of informed, compassionate service.
*CURRENTLY HAS A WAITLIST* Having questions or concerns regarding learning or behavioral challenges for your child or teen can be intimidating. Psychological evaluation is often the key to better understanding your child or teen's unique challenges. Working together, we will evaluate, understand and collaborate on both short-term and long-term goals, as well as treatments that will serve as a pathway to a successful future for your child.
*CURRENTLY HAS A WAITLIST* Having questions or concerns regarding learning or behavioral challenges for your child or teen can be intimidating. Psychological evaluation is often the key to better understanding your child or teen's unique challenges. Working together, we will evaluate, understand and collaborate on both short-term and long-term goals, as well as treatments that will serve as a pathway to a successful future for your child.
Now accepting new clients, same/next week availability in most cases. I provide a sliding scale when needed. I come from a non-judgmental, client-centered approach and have years of experience working with adults and teens. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Therapy, Applied Behavior Analysis, and many other approaches. I have specialized training in Autism, ADHD, OCD, and LGBTQIA+ populations, and have experience in gender studies/transition exploration, care, and support. I offer a direct communication style and streamlined approach to reducing symptoms for you!
Now accepting new clients, same/next week availability in most cases. I provide a sliding scale when needed. I come from a non-judgmental, client-centered approach and have years of experience working with adults and teens. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Therapy, Applied Behavior Analysis, and many other approaches. I have specialized training in Autism, ADHD, OCD, and LGBTQIA+ populations, and have experience in gender studies/transition exploration, care, and support. I offer a direct communication style and streamlined approach to reducing symptoms for you!
Did you recently get your child assessed for ADHD/ Autism, and start to think "wait, all these things describe me, too
I approach my work from a strength-based, neurodiversity-affirming foundation. This means that I believe our brains are not ill or broken, but our wiring is fundamentally different. I specialize in ADHD/ Autism, but I am equally experienced working with most anxiety disorders, and I was trained as a generalist.
Did you recently get your child assessed for ADHD/ Autism, and start to think "wait, all these things describe me, too
I approach my work from a strength-based, neurodiversity-affirming foundation. This means that I believe our brains are not ill or broken, but our wiring is fundamentally different. I specialize in ADHD/ Autism, but I am equally experienced working with most anxiety disorders, and I was trained as a generalist.
My passion is working with children and teens who are feeling big emotions, facing changes, or just trying to figure out where they fit in the world. Counseling looks different for every client. That could mean diving into a world in which a child expresses themselves through play; other times, it is about creating a space where a teen can talk freely without worrying about being “fixed” or judged. I maintain an atmosphere in the counseling space that prizes the client and allows them to freely express themselves and feel heard, which helps foster healing.
My passion is working with children and teens who are feeling big emotions, facing changes, or just trying to figure out where they fit in the world. Counseling looks different for every client. That could mean diving into a world in which a child expresses themselves through play; other times, it is about creating a space where a teen can talk freely without worrying about being “fixed” or judged. I maintain an atmosphere in the counseling space that prizes the client and allows them to freely express themselves and feel heard, which helps foster healing.
I am a licensed psychologist, and I specialize in working with children with developmental disorders, including ADHD and autism spectrum disorder.
Currently, I am accepting new patients for psychological evaluations. I conduct comprehensive evaluations for concerns related to autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and learning disabilities in children, adolescents, and young adults. I am not currently accepting new therapy patients.
I am a licensed psychologist, and I specialize in working with children with developmental disorders, including ADHD and autism spectrum disorder.
Currently, I am accepting new patients for psychological evaluations. I conduct comprehensive evaluations for concerns related to autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and learning disabilities in children, adolescents, and young adults. I am not currently accepting new therapy patients.
My ideal client is one who knows they need to make changes and are willing to do the work of therapy. My practice is specialized to help those with OCD, anxiety, and related disorders but I am also a gender therapist. My office is a safe space where you can be you.
My ideal client is one who knows they need to make changes and are willing to do the work of therapy. My practice is specialized to help those with OCD, anxiety, and related disorders but I am also a gender therapist. My office is a safe space where you can be you.
I enjoy working with people of all ages, and I specialize in diagnosis and treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), anxiety and depression.
My therapeutic approaches include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, play therapy, social skills training, and biofeedback. I believe that many clients benefit from brief and focused interventions that target specific difficulties while teaching appropriate coping skills.
I enjoy working with people of all ages, and I specialize in diagnosis and treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), anxiety and depression.
My therapeutic approaches include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, play therapy, social skills training, and biofeedback. I believe that many clients benefit from brief and focused interventions that target specific difficulties while teaching appropriate coping skills.
Currently offering Autism and ADHD Evaluation for ages 4+.
I help by offering formal Autism and ADHD evaluation, This is done by completing a certified Autism or ADHD standardized test and then sitting for a one time interview.
Currently offering Autism and ADHD Evaluation for ages 4+.
I help by offering formal Autism and ADHD evaluation, This is done by completing a certified Autism or ADHD standardized test and then sitting for a one time interview.
Zephyr Care specializes in neurodiversity-affirming testing for autism, ADHD, and mental health for adults and kids.
We are one of the few practices in TN that offers neurodiversity-affirming testing for adults and children across the lifespan for autism, ADHD, and mental health. We offer in-person and virtual appointments. We can make recommendations and referrals for continued treatment after your evaluation.
Zephyr Care specializes in neurodiversity-affirming testing for autism, ADHD, and mental health for adults and kids.
We are one of the few practices in TN that offers neurodiversity-affirming testing for adults and children across the lifespan for autism, ADHD, and mental health. We offer in-person and virtual appointments. We can make recommendations and referrals for continued treatment after your evaluation.
If you're neurodivergent, don't feel well, or have complex trauma, you'll get practical support and deep processing (when and how it’s right for you) to get through the hard stuff so you can live a life that actually fits you.
You'll understand your inner world (and inner conflicts) better, and how that inner world is influencing your decisions, relationships, work, creativity, etc. It can feel like our bodies, our decisions, our loved ones, life, God/the Universe, etc. have betrayed us. You'll begin to heal your nervous system from all of that and learn to trust yourself.
If you're neurodivergent, don't feel well, or have complex trauma, you'll get practical support and deep processing (when and how it’s right for you) to get through the hard stuff so you can live a life that actually fits you.
You'll understand your inner world (and inner conflicts) better, and how that inner world is influencing your decisions, relationships, work, creativity, etc. It can feel like our bodies, our decisions, our loved ones, life, God/the Universe, etc. have betrayed us. You'll begin to heal your nervous system from all of that and learn to trust yourself.
As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), I am passionate about helping individuals with Autism, ADHD, and neurodivergent individuals build meaningful skills that improve daily life.
ABA and DBT work well together for many individuals across all needs. I offer a combined treatment strategy to help you understand yourself better and help you navigate through life's challenges.
I work with kids and adults to transfer new information and apply skills to all areas of their life, such as in the community, at school, or in the home.
As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), I am passionate about helping individuals with Autism, ADHD, and neurodivergent individuals build meaningful skills that improve daily life.
ABA and DBT work well together for many individuals across all needs. I offer a combined treatment strategy to help you understand yourself better and help you navigate through life's challenges.
I work with kids and adults to transfer new information and apply skills to all areas of their life, such as in the community, at school, or in the home.
Katy Hurst Counseling & Associates
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, MHSP
6 Endorsed
Serves Area
Whether you work with Katy or another member of the team, you’ll be thoughtfully matched with a skilled therapist who understands how to treat C-PTSD, Autism, ADHD, chronic illness–related stress, eating disorders, and the ways these experiences intersect.
We offer play therapy (ages 3+), IFS/parts work, EMDR, and Brainspotting (adult clients), and Emotion-Focused Therapy (couples/families). Therapists on this team have additional training in complex trauma and dissociation, the intersection of neurodivergence and trauma, chronic illness, and trauma-informed eating disorder care.
Whether you work with Katy or another member of the team, you’ll be thoughtfully matched with a skilled therapist who understands how to treat C-PTSD, Autism, ADHD, chronic illness–related stress, eating disorders, and the ways these experiences intersect.
We offer play therapy (ages 3+), IFS/parts work, EMDR, and Brainspotting (adult clients), and Emotion-Focused Therapy (couples/families). Therapists on this team have additional training in complex trauma and dissociation, the intersection of neurodivergence and trauma, chronic illness, and trauma-informed eating disorder care.
Emu
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MS, LCMHCQS, LPCMHSP, NCC, ACS
5 Endorsed
Serves Area
Wounding experiences can deeply shape how we see ourselves, our relationships, or the world around us. These wounds can leave us feeling disconnected - cut off from feeling whole and cared for. If this resonates with you, I might be a good fit for you. As a wounded healer myself, I approach this work with deep respect for your unique story, values, and cultural identity. I work with individuals, couples, and persons in ethically non-monogamous relationships. My practice is grounded in trauma-informed, relational, and culturally responsive care. I create a brave space for clients living in the margins.
Wounding experiences can deeply shape how we see ourselves, our relationships, or the world around us. These wounds can leave us feeling disconnected - cut off from feeling whole and cared for. If this resonates with you, I might be a good fit for you. As a wounded healer myself, I approach this work with deep respect for your unique story, values, and cultural identity. I work with individuals, couples, and persons in ethically non-monogamous relationships. My practice is grounded in trauma-informed, relational, and culturally responsive care. I create a brave space for clients living in the margins.
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What is the most effective treatment for autism?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has come to be considered the standard treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder, and research has confirmed its effectiveness for many children. Therapists trained in ABA techniques work with children (and their parents) on developing social skills, communication and learning abilities, and everyday habits of hygiene and grooming. The clinician will tailor their program to the child’s particular need but the overarching goal will be to help them advance as far as possible toward independence based on their level of symptoms and decrease the need for additional special services. Families should seek a mental health professional specifically trained in ABA, and holding special certification in the technique, who has extensive experience not only with the approach but in using it with children with the same level of symptoms as the child who needs care.
How does ABA work?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) sessions, which typically focus on positive reinforcement, can be intensive, lasting two or more hours several times a week, and continuing for two years or more. Therapists can also be expected to ask parents to take an active role in reinforcing lessons. Research has found that the technique can lead to major improvements that decrease the need for additional special services.
How does treatment for autism work?
Therapy sessions based on Applied Behavior Analysis will likely be frequent, intensive, and highly structured. After a thorough assessment, a therapist will help a child understand and develop skills in a range of areas, including communication, motor skills, social skills, self-care, play, and academic skills, as well as routines of daily living like hygiene. Typically, the therapist will help a child break down the components of a behavior—often referred to as the antecedent (what prompts an action), the behavior, and the consequence(what immediately follows)—and then reward the child at every step, while also asking parents to reinforce the lessons, and the rewards, throughout the day. This core therapy may be supplemented by occupational or speech therapy, and antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants may be prescribed to address specific severe symptoms.
How long does therapy for autism take?
Some people with autism spectrum disorder may be engaged in some level of therapy for many years, but research shows that treatment will be most effective if it is begun early and delivered intensively. When therapy begins by age 3, children tend to be better able to grasp and adopt the skills needed to manage everyday life, including attending school and establishing social relationships. This type of early-intervention treatment regimen is highly structured, typically involving 20 to 40 hours of one-on-one therapy per week, along with additional hours of engagement managed by parents, for a period of two years or more, although the duration of treatment is dependent on the child’s level of symptoms and pace of progress.


